Atletico report Barcelona to Fifa for illegal Antoine Griezmann approach

Atletico Madrid have reported Barcelona to Fifa for making an illegal approach for Antoine Griezmann, according to The Guardian.

The newspaper, one of several media outlets to convey the news, says that the French striker has been “the subject of increased speculation over recent days”.

It was only last summer that Manchester United were heavily linked to the Gallic goal machine, who arrived at Atletico from Real Sociedad in August 2014. Despite the rumours he signed a new deal to keep him at the club through to 2021.

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However, reports from Spain indicate that Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Griezmann in recent weeks. It was claimed at the weekend that Barca’s president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, had been in touch with the 26-year-old’s family.

That would be in direct contravention of Fifa rules, which stipulate that a side that would like to sign a player must first contact his existing club before being allowed to open negotiations with him or his representatives.

“Atletico Madrid have reported Barcelona for repeated contact with Griezmann and his people, contact which we are aware of,” a club spokesman told Mundo Deportivo newspaper. “He is a player with a contract with Atletico Madrid and a long contract at that.”

Sky Sports says that a Fifa spokesman has confirmed to them that they have “received a complaint from Atletico Madrid”.

Atletico’s aggressive response to Barcelona’s behaviour suggests they have no intention of selling their star striker, despite the fact that the release clause in his contract is an eye-watering €100m (£88.4m).

It’s a fee that Barcelona are reportedly ready to pay. Sky Sports says that president Bartomeu met Griezmann’s family for lunch where he discussed a possible transfer with the player’s sister, who acts as his agent.